Philly cheesesteak is among the finest sandwiches in America. It’s celebrated for its thin pieces of beef, gooey cheese, and soft hoagie bread. No matter how good the sandwich tastes individually, the perfect side dish completes the meal on another level. Of all the side foods, fries are the best pairing for a Philly cheesesteak. But not all fries are equal. Selecting the ideal fries for your Philly cheesesteak will depend on texture, crispiness, seasonings, and even dipping sauce.
In this article, we are going to discuss the kind of fries you can have with a Philly cheesesteak, how to make them, and why they are perfect. We are going to provide some of the best locations where you can get the best combination of Philly cheesesteak and fries, such as Johnny Longhots Deptford.
Why Fries Are the Perfect Side for a Philly Cheesesteak
Philly cheesesteak and fries are as close to peanut butter and jelly. Here’s why:
- Textural Contrast – The crunchy texture of the fries provides a great contrast to the soft, juicy steak in the sandwich.
- Flavor Balance – Fries provide a light salty, occasionally flavored flavor that balances the cheesy, rich flavor of the sandwich.
- Dipping Potential – Fries provide the potential for dipping sauces that enhance the meal further.
- Filling and Satisfying – A cheesesteak with fries is a filling, full meal.
Having determined that fries are the best side dish to pair with a Philly cheesesteak, let us now consider the various types of fries and how they add value to the experience.
Classic French Fries
The most classic combination with a Philly cheesesteak is the classic French fry. They are thin, crunchy fries that are golden brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside. How simple they are makes them the ideal combination because they do not overwhelm the flavor of the sandwich.
How to Make Classic French Fries
- Use Russet potatoes for the best crisp-to-fluff ratio.
- Double-fry them for added crunch—once at a lower temperature (325°F) to cook, and again at a higher temperature (375°F) to get crispy.
- Lightly salt them to keep it simple and old-school.
Best Dipping Sauces
- Ketchup
- Cheese sauce
- Garlic aioli
Crinkle-Cut Fries
Crinkle-cut fries provide a fascinating texture with ridges that trap seasoning and dipping sauces more effectively than plain fries. They are a bit thicker and have a more apparent crunch.
Why Crinkle-Cut Fries Work on a Philly Cheesesteak
- Their greater crunch is a gratifying bite.
- Ridged surface allows them to contain additional seasoning or cheese sauce.
- They complement both standard and innovative dips.
Optimal Dipping Sauces
- Cheese whiz (traditional Philly cheesesteak topping)
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
Steak Fries
Thick-cut fries are a treat if you enjoy them, and steak fries are a good example. They are thicker than regular French fries and contain a soft, airy interior wrapped in a lightly crispy coating.
Why Steak Fries Work So Well
- They offer a filling, potato-bursting bite that pairs well with the meaty cheesesteak.
- They can absorb flavors from sauces without becoming soggy too quickly.
- They are excellent topped with melted cheese or gravy.
Best Dipping Sauces
- Brown gravy
- Cheese sauce
- Barbecue sauce
Waffle Fries
Waffle fries are not only visually appealing but also convenient to dip. Their lattice pattern provides a larger surface area, which makes them even crisper.
Why Waffle Fries Are a Great Choice
- Their larger surface area can hold more seasoning and sauce.
- They offer a crunchy and distinct texture.
- They go well with bacon bits and cheese-laden fry toppings.
Best Dipping Sauces
- Spicy cheese sauce
- Honey mustard
- Chipotle aioli
Loaded Fries
To get a top-class Philly cheesesteak experience, serve the latter with loaded fries. The latter is topped with cheese, bacon, sour cream, jalapeños, or even pieces of steak.
Best Type of Loaded Fries to Serve with a Philly Cheesesteak
- Cheese Fries – Fries topped with melted cheese or cheese whiz that replicate the cheesesteak’s best flavor.
- Bacon and Ranch Fries – Provides a smoky, creamy twist to the decadent sandwich.
- Chili Cheese Fries – For those who enjoy spice, chili and cheese alongside the cheesesteak is an exciting flavor.
Why Loaded Fries Work
- They make the cheesesteak experience more flavorful.
- They also can be considered a meal alone in the case that you’re hungrier than usual.
- They provide unlimited options for customization.
Sweet Potato Fries
For something a little healthier or sweeter, sweet potato fries provide a tasty spin on the beefy Philly cheesesteak.
Why Sweet Potato Fries Make Such a Great Pairing
- Their sweetness balances out the cheesesteak’s saltiness and umami savory flavors.
- They’re crunchier than plain fries when done right.
- They provide a playful spin on an old side dish.
Greatest Dipping Sauces
- Honey mustard
- Spicy ketchup
- Cinnamon butter
Curly Fries
Curly fries provide a tasty and entertaining touch to the dish. They are typically sprinkled with a mix of spices that give the dish an added flavor.
Why Curly Fries Are Awesome
- Their seasoned breading provides an additional burst of flavor.
- They are a nice crunch to enjoy.
- They complement many sauces.
Best Sauces to Dip Them
- Nacho cheese
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy ranch
Best Place to Get Philly Cheesesteak and Fries – Johnny Longhots Deptford
If you’re looking for an amazing Philly cheesesteak and the perfect fries, Johnny Longhots Deptford is a must-visit. Known for their authentic cheesesteaks and a variety of fry options, they offer a great combination of flavors to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re in the mood for classic fries, loaded fries, or something more adventurous, you’ll find the perfect side to complement your sandwich.
Conclusion
Selecting the ideal fries for your Philly cheesesteak depends on your taste and texture preference. Using traditional French fries, crispy crinkle-cut fries, robust steak fries, or spicy loaded fries, the ideal selection can make your cheesesteak experience even better. Don’t miss the excitement of savoring them with the ideal dipping sauce to complement the flavors even more.
If you’re ever in Deptford, make sure to check out Johnny Longhots Deptford for an unforgettable Philly cheesesteak and fries combo. Enjoy your meal and happy eating!